Projectile



B. BATOU PROJECTILE May 26, 1964 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed July 9, 1962 INVENTOR.

May 26, 1964 B. BATOU 3,134,330

PROJECTILE Filed July 9, 1962 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 Iie M ma;

INVENTOR.

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B. BATOU PROJECTILE May 26, 1964 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed July 9, 1962 INVENTOR.

May 26, 1964 B. BATou` PROJECTILE 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 Filed July 9, 1962 United States Patent 01j ice Y 3,134,330 A PnoJEcrILE 'Boris Baton, Geneva, Switzerland, assigner to Anstalt Y fur die Entwicklung von Erfindungen und gewerblichen Anwendungen Energa, Vaduz (Liechtenstein), a corporation of Liechtenstein Y Filed Iluly 9, 1962, Ser. No. 208,326 Claims priority, application Switzerland July 20, 1961 2 Claims. (Cl. 102-38) pletely and whollycbviates all these three phenomena,

which usually accompany the firing of projectiles.

It is an object of the present invention to produce a projectile whose construction enables it tobe propelled by means of a pyrotechnic charge, simultaenously without appreciable noise, without flash and without smoke.

3,134,330 'Patented May 26, 1964 sion. The said reduced portion may be'internally truncoconical and prolonged, if appropriate, at its free end by a cylindrical portion of sufcient length for'the purpose of centering the firing device. The said cylindrical portion may further comprise, externally, Va stabilising empennage.

According to another embodiment, at least one of the two aforesaid elementsr is provided with a shock absorber which is struck by the other element at the limit of stroke. Preferably, the shock absorber is constructed of anonmetallic elastic-or plastic material, or alternatively of a metal adapted to undergo a progressive deformation without rupture.

j j According to the present invention there is provided a projectile, wherein the projectile has at least two elements adapted to move relative to one another over a cerftain'length limited by retaining means which are adapted to render the elements effectively integral with one an- VVVother at the limit of stroke, the two elements serving to 'confine an-expansion chamber which contains a launching charge and the volumeof which varies when the launching charge is-iired byyirtue of the relative movement of the two elements, and wherein one of said elements is rigidly secured to the projectile, while the other v is Varranged to be acted on by a ring device for firing the projectile and to be removed from the firing device sealed during the propulsion and whilst travelling along the trajectory. l Y

Asia result Vof the aforesaid arrangements, the gases produced by the propulsive charge expand, when the shot is fired inthe said chamber, remain confined in the latter and-do not come into contact with the atmosphere, so that the shock Wave iof the launching charge is not audible, and so that the flames and smoke produced by the combustion of the powder are carried ofi by the projectile without causing any apparent phenomenon at the muzzle Vof the weapon. Y It the expansion chamber is sealed, a residual pressure is preserved in the interior thereof. If on the contrary the -said chamber is not entirely hermetically sealed, the gases are able to ow through the interstices accessible to them.

Y Since the said interstices are assumed to be small, the ow n permitted by them is small, and in this case again the launching Yof the projectile is not accompanied by any 1 Vappreciable noise.

The present projectile provides itsv user with certain tactical advantages, and makes it possible to launch a projectile without the enemy being ableV to localise Vvthe firing of the shot by any visible or audible phenomenon, thereby arranged inside the other element, which constitutes a v guiding cylinder for the said piston.

' l ,The retaining means for the piston in the cylinder may comprisea reduced portionV at the rear of the cylinder y againstwhich the piston is arrested at the end of propul- In one constructional variant of the projectile'the shock absorber is adeformable annulus surrounding the said piston, and in another constructional'variant, the shock absorber is constituted by an assembly of fins of circular shape superimposed on one another in planes normal to the axis of the piston, and axially deformable.

In a third variant, the shock absorber is constituted by a stack of elastic washers of the type known'as Belleville, intended to constitute a progressive braking spring, and in yet, another variant, the Vshock absorber is constituted by a succession of washers, the external peripheriesof `which form projections intended to be bent upon contact with a stop element.

In order to effect sealing of the Aexpansion chamber, one of the elements may comprise a sealing means adapted to form a joint with the other element. Y Y

In one specific embodiment, the launching chargeV is yhoused in a receptacle constructed in the interior'of the element or piston which is arranged to be acted on by the firing device. According to a variant, the said charge is retained in theinterior of a cartridge independent of the said element or piston. Y

The firing device may comprise a striker rod adapted to slide in a strong tube, against the rear-of which the piston is supported during the propulsion.

and to enable it tobe anchored, the latter may comprise at its base a solid part provided with projecting portions vadapted to bite into the ground when the shot is fired.

In the various embodiments of the present projectile the element which is arranged to be acted on by the firing device comprises at its base a detonator intended to set fire electrically or mechanically to the launching charge.

Whatever :the principle of operation of the detonator may be, the latter is preferably mounted lon a strong seat so as to withstand the internal pressure of thegases pro,-

jected onto the detonator in known manner by the pressure of the gases emanating froma small additional cartridge. Y

InY another embodiment, the projectile comprises two telescopic tubular elements nested in one another before the shot is fired, while the element which is arranged to be acted on by the liring'device projects behind the other element and constitutes the rear portion of the empennagecarrying tail of the projectile. The said tail may be arranged either inside or outside the other elementwhich is itself integral with the projectile. j

In order to enable the invention to be more'readily understood, reference will now be made tothe accom- The piston may also be provided at its basewith a centering housing kin which the said tube engages.

In order to reduce the recoil stroke of the iiring device 3 panying drawings which show diagrammatically and by way of example some embodiments thereof, and in which:

FIGS. 1 and 2 show in longitudinal section a first form of construction of a projectile, before and Vafter firing respectively.

, FIGS. 3 and 4 show, in longitudinal section and in the same positions, a portion of a second form of construction of a projectile.

FIG. 5 is a partial view in longitudinal section of a modification of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. v FIGS. 6 and 7 show schematically, likewise in longitudinal section, portions of two other forms of construction of the projectile, and

FIGS. 8 and 9 show schematically and partially, two further modifications of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1.

Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 2, there is shown a projectile comprising a charge-carrying body formed by a casing 1 containing an offensive charge 2 (which may be an explosive, incendiary, smoke-producing, or other charge) which is capable of being ignited by means of a fuze 3 fastened at the head of the casing 1. A tubular tail 4 is screwed into the rear of the casing land has a forward portion 4a which extends inside vthe charge carrying body, the forward end of the portion 4a being sealed by a plug 5 and being isolated from the charge by a protective casing 6. At its rear end, the tail 4 carries an empennage, the tins 7 of'which are integral with a mouththe projectile and a shock absorber element formed by an -annular lining -12 of a non-metallic synthetic resin or plastic material, or alternatively of a ductile metal-for example, lead. A torroidal seal 13 housed in an annular recess inthe piston 9 serves to seal the chamber contained between the latter and the plug 5.

FIG. 1V shows'the projectile housed in a packing therefor, Such packing comprising a cylindrical case 14 acting as launching support, a forward cover 15 and a base cover 16, the forward cover and base cover being intended to be withdrawn at the moment of firing. The case 14 is integral with a tiring device comprising a base 17 and a tubular sleeve 18 one end of which is axially engaged in the piston 9 and the other end of which is screwed into the base 17, which has a peripheral annularpart 17a on which the rear end of the case 14 is secured by forcing, sticking or otherwise. The base 17 also comprises a series of projecting parts 17b intended to effect anchorage of the device in the ground when the shot is tired. The firing device also includes a striker rod 19 guided axially inside the sleeve 18, said rod being retained in a safety position by a pin 21 counteracting a spring 20 which normally urges the rod in the forward direction.

Firing of the shot is effected by tearing away the said pin 21, whereupon the rod 19, being released, strikes the detonator 10 and causes ignition of the propulsive charge 11 contained in the piston 9. The expansion of the gases in the chamber formed inside the tail 4 brings about propulsion of the projectile, which moves with reference to the piston 9, which is supported against the rear section of the firing device, which is itself anchored in the ground 'and which undergoes the recoil effect. When the piston 9 reaches the end of the expansion chamber, the lining 12 becomes progressively crushed onto the conical throat 8a and effects hermetic sealing of the said chamber, the piston 9 being then rendered integral with the tail 4 and becoming detached from the sleeve 18 (FIG. 2).

The base of the casing which surrounds the detonator 10 is strong so as not to be perforated at the percussion.

After explosion of the propulsive charge, the said casing remains integral with the piston and blocks the re transmission channel. The gas expansion chamber is consequently hermetically sealed during the propulsion phase of the projectile and throughout its travel along its trajectory. 'The gases remain confined in the said chamber and dopnot come into contact with the atmosphere, so that the shock wave emanating from the launching charge when the shot is tired is not audible, and so that the flames and smoke produced by the combustion of the powder are carried away bythe projectile in the said chamber without producing any apparent phenomenon.

The embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4 shows a projectile--for example, a rie grenade-which is launched by means of a launching sleeve secured to the end of a firearm. The warhead 22 of the projectile (partially shown) comprises at its rear a tubular tail 23 terminated by mouthpiece 24 bearing the fins 25 ofa stabilising empennage. The mouthpiece 24 is formed internally with a conical throat 24a which constricts the aperture of the tail, in which aperture a launching sleeve 26, maintained at the end of the barrel of a riiie (not shown), can be engaged. The end of the sleeve 26 is surmounted before firing by the rear portion of a piston 27 which has at its other end a perforated annular wall 27a forming the housing for a propulsive charge 28. In an axial chamber in the piston 27 there is secured a bushing 29 constituting the seat of a striker 30 intended to effect ignition of a detonator 31 retained between the base of the said chamber and the end of the bushing 29. The striker 30 is secured in its pre-tiring position on the bushing 29 by a crimping collar 30a.

The piston 27 comprises a series of annular fins 32 superimposed on one another in planes normal to the axis of the projectile, and constituting the shock absorber element of the said piston when the latter comes into contact with the conical throat 24a, the tins being such as to be capable of being progressively crushed against the said throat and to effect sealing of the expansion chamber.

When the shot is fired, the tirer actuates the trigger and `ignites a 'smallcharge of powder housed in a special cartridge (not shown) with which the rie is loaded. The pressure of the gases emanating from the said cartridge is suiiicient to deform the collar 30a and to bring about the release of the striker 30 which is thrown against the detonator 31, causing ignition of the propulsive charge 28, the base of the detonator 31, which has not been perforated by the percussion, remaining integral with the piston and effecting closure of the said expansion chamber.

As with the embodiment described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, the projectile is propelled by the expansion of the gases and pressure of which is exerted upon the base of the expansion chamber formed inside the tail 23, whereas the piston 27 is supported against the end of the sleeve 26. When the throat 24a comes into contact with the said piston, the ns 32 are progressively crushed against the tapered surface of the said throat and enable the shock produced by that contact to be deadened for a certain stroke distance. The clamping of the piston 27 in the mouthpiece 24 likewise permits sealing closure of the expansion chamber to be achieved (FIG. 4).

FIG. 5 shows a constructional variant of the projectile described with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4. The launching device, similar to that shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, is constituted by a tubular sleeve 33 in which is guided a striker rod 34 intended to effectignition of a detonator 35 integral with a piston 36. A propulsive charge 37 is contained in a perforated cartridge 38 which is Vindependentof the piston 36 but integral with the base of the expansion chamber-that is to say,'with the rear lWall 39 of the warhead of the projectile, onto which a tail 4t) is screwed. An annular sealing element 41 of VVample, a mortar (not shown).

tail comprising two telescopic elements, onel of which 1s 49a respectively) t mains hermetically closed Vthroughout the travel of the projectile in the weapon and along its trajectory, the

inverted U-shape in cross-section is intended to prevent Vany escape of gases towards the warhead of the projectile.

The piston 36 likewise possesses an assembly of tins 42 adapted to be crushed against a conical throat at the limit of stroke and to produce the effects described hereinbefore. Y

The two embodiments shown schematically in FIGS. 6 and 7 relate to p-rojectiles intendedto be fired by means of rearms tiring at high angles of elevation-for ex- They both -possess a intended to move with reference to the other when the shot is red, by the action of the pressure of the gases emanating from thepropulsive cartridge.

in FiG. 6, the warhead of theprojec'tile bears a tubular tail 43 possessing at its rear a reduced part preceded by a conical throat 43a. A tubular element id is mounted for sliding inside the tail and is provided at its rear with a stabilising empennage 45 and a propulsive cartridge 46 Vfand, at its front with an "enlarged part having the internal diameter of the tail 43 and preceded by a conical throat 44a parallel to the throat 43a of the tail. The

tubular element 44 is further provided with an annular lining X7-for example, of flexible substance-constituting the shock absorbing element defined hereinabove.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 7, the warhead of the projectile is integral with a tubular element 49 which is sui-mounted by an empennage-carrying tail Sti.v The Vtail Sti carries at its rear end a propulsive cartridge 46 and a detonator 4S, and at its front end an annular lining 47 Vintended to be crushed against a tapered throat 49a ofthe element 49.

At the instant of tiring, the projectile is introduced into theV muzzle of the weapon, so that the detonator 48 encounters a striker with which the latter is provided and eects ignition of the propulsiva cartridge d6, which i, comprises a deformable element which is not perforated upon percussion and which, since it remains integral with the tail throughout the expansion ot the gases, blocks the aperture of the latter. The expansion of thegases brings about propulsion of the projectile, the tail 43 (orl the element 49 respectively) until the lining 47 comes into contact with the conicalthroat 43a (or the conical throat Since'the gas expansion chamber regases remain comined in the said chamber and do not expand in the gun barrel. Since the llames and smoke produced by the combustion of the powder are carried away by the projectile, no noticeable eiect such as would enable the tiring position to be discovered vis produced at the muzzle ofthe weapon.

Vmanner indicated above, the bending of the projections bringing about progressive .braking ofthe piston 55.

In another modilication (not shown) of the projectile l shown in FIG. l, the empennage 7 could be fastened directlyV onto the cylindrical tail 4 instead of being xed onto the retaining element 8, while the grooves Sb, may

Vbe formed on the sleeve 18 instead` of in the aperture of the throat Sa.

I claim:

l. A projectile comprising a casing, a tubular tail with its front portion lixed solidly to the rear of said casing, the rear part of said tail having a smaller inside diameter than the corresponding ,inside diameter of said front portion, a tubularV piston inside said tail, a rearward portion in saidpiston at the rear of said tail, said piston having a front end with an outer diameter corresponding to the inner diameter of said front portion, a stabilizing'kempennage mounted around the rearward portion of said piston, a longitudinal expansion chamber in said tubular piston, a propulsive cartridge inside said chamber and closing means around said piston for hermetically closing said expansion chamber during the travel along all the trajectory of said projectile.

2. A projectile comprising a casing, a tubular element` integral with said casing, said tubular element being open at its rear end, an external Haring throat around said end, atubular tail surrounding said tubular element, a stabilizing empennage solid with said tail, said tubular element constituting a piston slidable'inside said tail, the front inner diameter of said tail being smaller than the vouter diameter of saidthroat, an expansion chamber in said tubular element, `a propulsive cartridgeinside said chamber and Vclosing means at the rear of said tail and between said tail and l. said tubular elementfor hermetically closing said expansion chamber during the travel along all the trajectory of said projectile.

References Cited in the tile of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS Resow Dec. 27, 1898 Schneider July 20, 1920 

1. A PROJECTILE COMPRISING A CASING, A TUBULAR TAIL WITH ITS FRONT PORTION FIXED SOLIDLY TO THE REAR OF SAID CASING, THE REAR PART OF SAID TAIL HAVING A SMALLER INSIDE DIAMETER THAN THE CORRESPONDING INSIDE DIAMETER OF SAID FRONT PORTION, A TUBULAR PISTON INSIDE SAID TAIL, A REARWARD PORTION IN SAID PISTON AT THE REAR OF SAID TAIL, SAID PISTON HAVING A FRONT END WITH AN OUTER DIAMETER CORRESPONDING TO THE INNER DIAMETER OF SAID FRONT PORTION, A STABLIZING EMPENNAGE MOUNTED AROUND THE REARWARD PORTION OF SAID PISTON, A LONGITUDINAL EXPANSION CHAMBER IN SAID TUBULAR PISTON, A PROPULSIVE CARTRIDGE INSIDE SAID CHAMBER AND CLOSING MEANS AROUND SAID PISTON FOR HERMETICALLY CLOSING SAID EXPANSION CHAMBER DURING THE TRAVEL ALONG ALL THE TRAJECTORY OF SAID PROJECTILE. 